Shipping and dispensing container



Mam}! 1966 N. A. RINGHOLZ ETAL 3,237,325

SHIPPING AND DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Dec. 10, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Norbert A.Rin hplz F l James R. Goo 5H8 Charles D. Welshenboch BLZZMQ, M 4 M ATTORNEY MaICh 1966 N. A. RINGHOLZ ETAL 3,237,826

SHIPPING AND DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Dec. 10, 1964 4 Sheets-Shee t 2 INVENTORS Norben A. Rin holz James R.Goo site Charles D.Welshenboch ATTORNEY March 1966 N. A. RINGHOLZ ETAL 3,237,826

SHIPPING AND DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Dec. 10, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS Norbert A. Rlngl lolz James R.Goods|te Charles D. Welshenbooh ATTORNEY March 1966 N. A. RINGHOLZ ETAL 3,237,826

SHIPPING AND DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Dec. 10, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS Norben A. Ringholz James R. Goodsite Charles D. Welshenbuch ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,237,826 SHIPPWG AND DISPENSING CONTAINER Norbert A. Ringholz and James R. Goodsite, Sandusky,

and Charies D. Welshenbach, Huron, Qhio, assignors to West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, New York,

N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 10, 1964, Ser. No. 417,298 10 (Ilaims. (Cl. 225-19) The present invention relates to a container for shipping and dispensing a roll of flexible material.

More particularly, the invention is directed to a container which serves as a sturdy shipping carton, completely enclosing the product, but which is readily convertible into a dispenser for dispensing the material in sheets of a desired length.

Because of its sturdy construction, the carton is ideally suited for shipping fairly large quantities of material; While the fact that it completely encloses the rolled product during shipping lends it to packaging wrapping materials for food studs and other products requiring sanitary conditions.

When utilized as a dispenser, the present invention permits the flexible material to be easily grasped and unrolled for severing in sheets of desired length.

Additionally, provision is made for insuring that the material remains wrinkle-free as it is uncoiled and severed.

As a further feature, protective means is provided to prevent injury to the fingers of a user from the cutting edge provided for severing the material.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, means is provided for preventing recoil of the flexible material into the carton; thereby avoiding the necessity of repeatedly rethreading the material through the carton opening.

Further, the present invention provides a carton having a wide base, imparting stability to the carton when used as a dispenser and preventing its tipping as the material is unrolled and severed.

It should also be noted that all of these features are incorporated in a carton assembled without adhesives, staples, or other external fastening means.

The above, and other, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a view of the blank from which the carton of the present invention is constructed;

FIGURE 2 is a View of an insert panel used in conjunction with the carton of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the carton in its dispensing configuration;

FIGURE 4 is a elevationa-l cross-sectional view taken on line 44 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an elevational cross-sectional view, similar to FIGURE 4, but showing the carton in its shipping configuration;

FIGURES 6 through 9 are perspective views showing the steps taken in forming the carton from the blank of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view showing the carton ready for shipping.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, it will be seen that the carton blank consists of a cantilever fiap 1 containing an access opening 2 in one longitudinal edge thereof and joined along the other longitudinal edge thereof, as at fold line 3, to top panel 4. Top panel 4 is provided with a braking tab 5 hingedly connected to the top panel along fold line 6. Joined to top panel 4 along each lateral edge thereof, as at the fold lines 7, are top flaps 8 each bearing a closure tab 9. It will be noted 3,2318% Patented Mar. 1, I966 from FIGURE 1 that each of the top flaps 8 is defined by fold line 7 and edges 10, 11 and 12 to 'be of substantially trapezoidal configuration. Closure tabs 9 are each joined to their respective top flaps by fold lines 13 to provide a hinged connection thereto. It should also be noted that the edges 14 and 15 of each closure tab 9 extend inwardly 'of the edge 11 of top flap 8 and that a cut-out portion 16 is provided medially of fold line 13. The purpose of these provisions will be presently explained.

A back panel 17 is joined to top panel 4 along a fold line 18 and has attached thereto at each of its lateral edges a substantially rectangular back flap 19 by means of fold lines 20.

Joined to back panel 17 along one longitudinal edge thereof by a fold line 21 is a bottom panel 22. On each of its lateral edges bottom panel 22 has joined thereto, along fold lines 23, end flaps 24.

Each end flap 24 is defined by 'fold line 23 and its edges 25, 26 and 27 as of substantially trapezoidal configuration. It will also be noted that flap 24 is subdivided approximately inter-mediate its length by fold lines 28 and 29 into an interior end flap 30, a top end flap 31, and an exterior end flap 32. At its outer end each flap 24 bears a locking tab 33, while adjacent its base, a cutout portion is provided to form a locking tab opening 34. It will also be noted that adjacent the base of the end flap, a guide tab is defined by three cuts 36, 37 and 38 and that a small, notched, cut-out portion 39 is formed intermediate the length of the guide tab.

Bottom panel 22, along one longitudinal edge thereof, is joined to front panel 40 by means of fold line 41, and at each of its lateral edges front panel 40 is joined by means of 'fold lines 42 to a wing flap 43. Each wing flap is of substantially trapezoidal configuration, as de fined by fold line 42 and edges 44, 4S and 46. A notch 47 is provided in edge 44 of each wing flap wit-h its length being at least as great as the length of guide tab 35; which in turn, is at least as long as the width of closure tab 9. A second notch 48 is 'formed in flap 43 a long edge thereof for a purpose to be presently explained.

Along one longitudinal edge thereof, front panel 40 is joined to a front cradle panel 49 by means of a fold line 50, while at each of its lateral edges front cradle panel 49 is joined, as a fold line 51, to front cradle support flaps 53. Each front cradle support flap 53 is of substantially triangular configuration as defined by the fold line 51 and edges 54 and 55. Along edge 55 a notch 56 is provided of approximately the same configuration as notch 47.

Front cradle panel 49 is joined along one longitudinal edge thereof by means of a fold line 57 to a back cradle panel 58. At its lateral edges back cradle panel 58 has secured thereto along fold lines 59, back cradle support flaps 60. As will be noted 'from FIGURE 1, each back cradle support flap is of substantially triangular configuration as defined by the fold line 59 and edges 61 and 62.

Referring now to FIGURE 2 of the drawing there is therein shown the cantilever panel which is used in conjunction with the carton of the present invention. As seen in FIGURE 2, cantilever panel 6-3 is of substantially rectangular configuration exhibiting edges 64, 65, 66 and 67. An extension of panel 63 along its edge 64 provides a protective tab 63 while notched portions in edges 65 and 67 form shoulders 9. Cantilever fiap 63 is also provided with a fold line 70 intermediate its edges 64 and 66 and a circular cut-out portion 71.

Turning now to FIGURES 1, 2 and 69 of the drawings the manner in which the carton of FIGURE 10 is constructed from the blanks of FIGURES 1 and 2 will 3 be described. As seen in FIGURE 6, back panel 17 is folded upwardly through an angle of 90 with respect to bottom panel 22 about fold line 18. Back flaps 19 are then each folded inwardly about fold lines 20 through an angle of 90 with respect to back flap 17. Next, panel is folded upwardly through an angle, somewhat in excess of 90, about fold line 41. Each of the wing flaps 43 are then folded inwardly through an angle of 90 with their edges 45 lying in substantially abutting relationship with the adjacent vertical edge of back flap 19 and the notches 47 overlying the guide tabs 35 defined by cuts 36, 37, and 38.

As seen in FIGURE 7 end flaps 24 are then folded upwardly through an angle of 90 with exterior end flap 32 overlying flaps 43 and 19. Interior end flap 30* is then folded through an angle of 180, inwardly, where is overlies the interior surfaces of flaps 19 and 43. In this position, the locking tab 33 engages in looking talb opening 34 and top end flap 31 overlies the upper horizontal edges of flaps 19 and 43.

Back and front cradle support flaps 53 and 60, respectively, are then turned inwardly through an angle of 90 with respect to the panels to which they are attached.

Front cradle panel 49 is then rotated inwardly about fold line 50 until the edge of flap 53 rests upon the interior surface of bottom panel 22. As the front cradle panel is folded inwardly, back cradle panel 58 will rotate towards front cradle panel 49 about fold line 57, so that when panel 49 is in place, edge 61 of flap will be resting upon the interior surface of bottom panel 22 and edge 62 of flap 60 will bear against the interior surface of back panel 17, resulting in the configuration shown in FIGURE 8.

It will be noted from FIGURE 8 that edge 27 of flap 24 is spaced slightly from. the surface of front cradle panel 49 and that the notch 48 in flap 43 is accessible through the lower portion of this space.

' Cantilever panel 63 is now slid into place in the partially formed carton in overlying relationship to front cradle panel 49 and with the shoulders 69 engaged beneath the edges 27 of end flaps 24. Cantilever panel 63 is then slid downwardly along the front cradle panel 49 until the fold line 70 lies below the fold line 50 joining the front panel and the front cradle panel. The upper portion 72 of the cantilever panel is then folded inwardly about fold line 70 through an angle somewhat in excess of 90 with respect to the bottom portion 73 thereof to the position shown in FIGURE 9. It will be understood of course, that prior to the insertion of the cantilever panel 63 the roll of flexible material has been placed within the container, resting upon the front and back cradle panels, so that the upper portion 72 of the cantilever panel now overlies the roll of material. Additionally, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 9, a portion of the rolled material may be unwound and trained around the edge 64 of the cantilever panel prior to folding the upper portion 72 thereof inwardly as described above.

By this expedient the first portion of the roll of material is rendered easily accessible for withdrawal from the carton when it is converted from its shipping to dispensing configuration in the manner explained below.

Cantilever flap 1 is now folded inwardly through an angle of 90 about fold line 3 and top panel 4 is folded downwardly through 90 about fold line 18. As panel 4 approaches the lower limit of its travel, the edge 74 of the cantilever flap is guided into the space between portion 73 of panel 63 and the front cradle panel 49. Thus, when the panel 4 is in the position shown in FIG- URE 10, flap 1 will lie between panel 49 and portion 73 of panel 63. In order to facilitate insertion of the flap 1 into the space between panel 49 and portion 63, a core line may be provided in flap 1 to permit a slight flexing of the flap. Top flaps 8 are now folded inwardly through an angle of and as they reach their inner limit of travel, the closure tabs 9 are folded inwardly and guided by guide tabs 35 into the openings 75 on either side of a carton formed by the cuts 36, 37 and 38. Since the notches 47 and 56 in the flaps 43 and 53, respectively, are in registration with the opening 75, the tabs 9 pass therethrough into the interior of the carton to form the configuration shown in FIGURE 10.

In FIGURE 5 of the drawings a cross-sectional View through the carton of FIGURE 10 is shown. From FIG- URE 5 it will be seen that with the carton in its shipping configuration, portions 72 and 73 of the cantilever panel now serve to seal off the interior of the carton and protect the contents from contamination by dust, dirt and the like. As will be apparent, this provision is of particular importance when the packaged product is to be a wrapping material for food stuffs.

When the carton is to be used as a dispenser, it is readily convertible from the configuration of FIGURES 5 and 10 to that shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. Thus, a finger tip may be placed within eaoh set of registering cut-outs 11-6 and 39 and the tabs 9 pulled outwardly to allow the top 4 to be folded upwardly to the position shown in FIGURE 9.

The upper portion of the cantilever panel 63 may then be grasped by placing a finger through the aperture 71, and the portion 72 of the panel 63 rotated outwardly in substantially parallel relationship to the front cradle panel 49. The entire cantilever 63 is then slipped downwardly along the surface of front cradle 49 until the shoulders 69 on the lower portion 73 of the cantilever panel move into locking engagement with the notches 48. Since a portion of the rolled material had previously been trained over the edge 64 of the cantilever panel as explained above, the material is automatically positioned for further withdrawal from the carton without the necessity of threading it outwardly. Cantilever flap 1 is then folded outwardly about fold line 3 and top panel 4 rotated inwardly about fold line 18 so that flap 1 now overlies the upper portion of panel 63. Prior to rotating top panel 4 inwardly, braking tab 5 is folded inwardly about its hinged connection 6 until it lies approximately parallel to the inner surface of panel 4. In this position the terminal edge of tab 5 engages the flexible material 76, as seen in FIGURE 4, to serve a dual function. First, the frictional contact of the edge of the tab 5 with the web retards the tendency for further material to unroll as a portion thereof is served, and second, this same frictional engagement prevents the material from retracting into the container; thereby eliminating the necessity of repeated rethreading. It will also be noted that because the tab 5 is pressing the material 76 against the rearwardly sloped surface of the cantilever panel, a camming action results which causes the tab 5 to press more tightly against the material as the material tends to withdrew further into the container. The top flaps 8 are then folded downwardly and closure tabs 9 replaced through openings 75.

Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, it will be seen that cantilever panel 63 and the cantilever flap I combine to exert a slight pressure on the sheet of flexible material 76 and prevent the formation of wrinkles in the sheet as it is withdrawn from the dispenser. It will also be noted that with these members in the position shown, the access opening 2 in flap 1 overlies aperture 71 in panel 63, permitting the edge of the sheet to be. grasped and withdrawn from the container. When a desired length of material is withdrawn from the container, it may then be bent down sharply and severed by means of the cutting edge 77 secured to the under side of panel 63 adjacent its edge. Since the inner end of panel 63 is securely fixed within the container by means of the inter-locking shoulders 69 and notches 48, panel 63 forms a rigid support for the cutting edge 77.

The present invention also incorporates means for preventing injury through accidental contact with the cutting edge. Thus, with reference to FIGURES 3 and 4, it will be seen that the upper edge 78 of fiap 1 extends beyond the cutting edge 77 throughout their length ex;

cept adjacent the access opening 2. However, it will also be noted that at that point, where the blade would otherwise be exposed, a protective extension 68 is provided on the cantilever flap 63 extending beyond the cutting edge and shielding it from accidental contact with the fingers of the user. Thus, although the cutting edge is always in position for engaging the sheet material it is also shielded throughout its length against other contact.

As a further feature of the invention, it will be noted that the bottom panel 22 is formed considerably larger than the top panel 4. Referring to FIGURE 4 for example, it will be seen that the cutting edge 77 actually lies behind the vertical plane containing the forward edge of the bottom panel of the carton. Thus, as the web 76 is pulled downwardly for severing, a moment, clockwise as viewed in FIGURE 4, is induced which, rather than tending to tip the carton forward, actually tends to hold it in place.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that a novel carton construction has 'been devised which serves the dual function of a sturdy, completely enclosing, sanitary shipping container and a dispenser characterized by unusual stability and ease of operation. It will also be seen that while the present construction permits the flexible material to be easily grasped for removal from the carton, the possibility of accidental contact with the cutting edge of the dispenser is completely avoided. Additionally, it should be noted that the carton may be constructed entirely without the use of adhesive or other external fasteners.

While a specific example of the present invention has been described for purposes of illustration, modifications thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A shipping and dispensing container blank comprising:

(a) a substantially rectangular cantilever flap,

(b) a substantially rectangular top panel joined to said cantilever flap along one longitudinal edge thereof,

(c) a pair of substantially trapezoidal top flaps each joined to said top panel along a lateral edge thereof,

(d) a closure tab extending from an edge of each top (e) a substantially rectangular back panel joined to said top panel along a longitudinal edge thereof,

(f) a pair of substantially rectangular back flaps each joined to said back panel along a lateral edge thereof,

(g) a substantially rectangular bottom panel joined to said back panel along a longitudinal edge thereof,

(h) a pair of substantially trapezoidal end flaps each joined to said bottom panel along a lateral edge thereof,

(i) a locking tab extending from an edge of each end (j) a substantially rectangular front panel joined to said bottom panel along a longitudinal edge thereof,

(k) a pair of substantially trapezoidal wing flaps each joined to said front panel along a lateral edge thereof,

(1) a front cradle panel joined to said front panel along one longitudinal edge thereof,

(In) a pair of substantially triangular front cradle flaps each joined to said front cradle panel along a lateral edge thereof,

(n) a substantially rectangular back cradle panel joined to said front cradle panel extending along a longitudinal edge thereof and,

(o) a pair of substantially triangular back cradle flaps each joined to said back cradle panel along a lateral edge thereof.

2. The blank of claim 1 wherein said end flaps each comprise:

(a) a substantially trapezoidal exterior end panel,

(b) the base of said exterior end panel coinciding with the base of said end flap,

(c) a substantially trapezoidal top end panel joined along one longitudinal edge thereof to the edge of said exterior end flap opposite its base,

(d) a substantially trapezoidal interior end panel,

(e) said interior end panel being joined along its base to a longitudinal edge of said top end panel opposite said one edge, and

(f) said locking tab extends from one edge of said interior end panel.

3. The blank of claim 2 wherein:

(a) all of said rectangular panels and said cantilever flap are substantially the same length,

(b) said bottom panel is wider than said top panel,

and

(c) a portion of said top panel is cut, defining a braking tab hingedly connected to said top panel.

4. A shipping and dispensing container comprising:

(a) Top and bottom panels extending in spaced relationship to each other,

(b) side walls extending between said top and bottom panels,

(c) front and back panels extending between said top and 'bottom panels and said side walls,

(d) a front cradle panel extending from the top of said front panel to said bottom panel and meeting said bottom panel at a point spaced from its longitudinal edges,

(e) a back cradle panel hingedly connected to said front cradle panel and extending from said front cradle panel upwardly to a point on said back panel spaced from its longitudinal edges,

(f) a roll of flexible wrapping material disposed within said container and supported by said back and front cradle panels,

(g) a substantially rectangular cantilever panel,

(h) said cantilever panel being divided by a fold line into a upper portion and a lower portion,

(i) said upper portion extending in substantially parallel relationship to said top panel intermediate to said top panel and said roll of material,

(j) said lower portion extending adjacent to said front cradle panel intermediate said front cradle panel and said roll of material, and

(k) a substantially rectangular cantilever flap,

(l) said cantilever flap, being joined along one longitudinal edge thereof to a longitudinal edge of said top panel,

(m) said cantilever flap extending downwardly between the said front cradle and said lower portion of said cantilever panel.

5. The container of claim 4 wherein:

(a) said bottom panel is larger than said top panel,

and

(b) said side walls are trapezoidal in shape.

6. The cointainer of claim 5 wherein said side walls each comprise:

(a) a substantially rectangular back flap joined along one edge thereof to said back panel and extending substantially perpendicular therefrom,

(b) a substantially trapezoidal wing flap joined along one edge thereof to said front panel and extending in coplanar relationship with said back flap,

(c) said wing flap bearing a notch in its longer parallel edge,

(d) a substantially trapezoidal end flap joined along one longitudinal edge thereof to said bottom panel,

(e) said end flap being divided into interior and exterior portions and disposed in overlapping relationship to said back and wing flaps with said interior portion disposed on one side of said back and wing flaps and said exterior portion disposed on the-other side of said back and wing flaps,

(f) said exterior portion'of said end flap bearing a notch in its lower edge substantially coextensive with said notch in said longer parallel side of said Wing p,

(g) a substantially trapezoidal top flap joined along one edge thereof to said top panel and,

(h) a closure tab joined to said top flap along an edge thereof opposite said one edge,

(i) said closure tab being received in said coextensive notches in said exterior portion of said end flap and said longer parallel side of said Wing flap.

7. A shipping and dispensing container comprising:

(a) top and bottom panels extending in spaced relations'hip to each other,

(b) side walls extending between said top and bottom panels,

(c) front and back panels extending between said top and bottom-panels and said side walls,

(d) a front cradle panel extending from the top of said front panel to said bottom panel and meeting said bottom panel at a point spaced from its longitudinal edges,

(e) a back cradle panel hingedly connected to said front panel and extending from said front cradle lpanel upwardly to a point on said back panel spaced from its longitudinal edges,

(f) a roll of flexible wrapping material disposed Within said container and supported by said back and front cradle panels,

(g) a substantially rectangular cantilever panel,

(h) a first portion of said cantilever panel disposed within said container in over-lying relationship to said front cradle panel,

(i) a second portion of said cantilever panel being coplanar with said first portion thereof and extending outwardly of said container, and

(j) a substantially rectangular cantilever flap joined along one edge thereof to said top panel,

(k) said cantilever flap over-lyingsaid second portion of said cantilever panel.

8. The container of claim 7 wherein:

(a) a cutting edge is provided on the outer edge of said cantilever panel extending beyond said outer edge along a major portion thereof,

(b) a protective extension is provided at a medial portion of said outer edge extending beyond said cutting edge,

(-0) said cantilever flap extends beyond said outer edge,

and

(d) a relieved portion is provided in said cantilever flap substantially coincident with said protective extension on said cantilever panel to form an access opening;

9. The container of claim 7 wherein:

(a) a tab is provided in said top panel hingedly connected thereto along one edge,

(b) said tab extending interiorly of said container, toward said cantilever panel and adjacent and approximately parallel to the inner surface of said top panel.

10.' The container of claim -7 wherein:

(a) said bottom panel is substantially larger than said top panel, and

(b) the outer edge of said cantilever panel lies in a vertical plane located rearwardly of a vertical plane containing the forward-edge, of saidbottom panel;

No references cited.

WILLIAM W. 'DYER, JR'L, Primafy Examiner.

J. M. MEISTER,Assistan-t Examiner. 

7. A SHIPPING AND DISPENSING CONTAINER COMPRISING: (A) TOP AND BOTTOM PANELS EXTENDING IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER, (B) SIDE WALLS EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID TOP AND BOTTOM PANELS, (C) FRONT AND BACK PANELS EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID TOP AND BOTTOM PANELS AND SAID SIDE WALLS, (D) A FRONT CRADLE PANEL EXTENDING FROM THE TOP OF SAID FRONT PANEL TO SAID BOTTON PANEL AND MEETING SAID BOTTOM PANEL AT A POINT SPACED FROM ITS LONGITUDINAL EDGES, (E) A BACK CRADLE PANEL HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO SAID FRONT PANEL AND EXTENDING FROM SAID FRONT CRADLE PANEL UPWARDLY TO A POINT ON SAID BACK PANEL SPACED FROM ITS LONGITUDINAL EDGES, (F) A ROLL OF FLEXIBLE WRAPPING MATERIAL DISPOSED WITHIN SAID CONTAINER AND SUPPORTED BY SAID BACK AND FRONT CRADLE PANELS, (G) A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR CANTILEVER PANEL, (H) A FIRST PORTION OF SAID CANTILEVER PANEL DISPOSED WITHIN SAID CONTAINER IN OVER-LYING RELATIONSHIP TO SAID FRONT CRADLE PANEL, (I) A SECOND PORTION OF SAID CANTILEVER PANEL BEING COPLANAR WITH SAID FIRST PORTION THEREOF AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY OF SAID CONTAINER, AND (J) A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR CANTILEVER FLAP JOINED ALONG ONE EDGE THEREOF TO SAID TOP PANEL, (K) SAID CANTILEVER FLAP OVER-LYING SAID SECOND PORTION OF SAID CANTILEVER PANEL. 